Major Tourism Products/Attractions of Bangladesh A. Dhaka and its adjacent area: Dhaka- the Capital City: The capital city Dhaka, the heart of Bangladesh, is a colorful and thriving metropolis with about 11.5 million people. Known as the city of mosques, muslin and rickshaws, Dhaka has attracted travelers from around the world for centuries. The city was founded in 1608 A.D. by the Mughal Subedar (Governor) of Bengal. Today, Dhaka boasts of modern architecture while still bearing the vestiges of its exciting past. The capital vibrates with commercial activities, cultural events, educational excellence and political gatherings. Lalbagh Fort: The Fort of Aurangabad, popularly known as the Lalbagh Fort is located in the Capital city Dhaka. Built in 1678 by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, the fort became the scene of a bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857 A.D.) when 250 sepoys (soldiers) backed by the local people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi, Lalbagh Mosque, Audience hall and Hammam Khana (bathing place) of Nawab Shaista Khan. Ahsan Manzil: Located on the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka, Ahsan Manzil is an example of the national rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectactor to many events. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It has now 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawabs. Central Shahid Minar: Located in the vicinity of the University of Dhaka, this symbol of Bengali language movement was built to commemorate the martyrs of the 21st February 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquets gather barefooted on the day every year to pay glowing homage to these national heroes. Celebration begins at the zero hour of night. The 21st February was declared as International Mother Language Day by the UNESCO in honour of the supreme sacrifices of the Bengali people, and the day is observed elsewhere in the world in the spirit of protecting mother tongues of all nations. Bahadur Shah Park: The park was built in Dhaka to commemorate the martyrs of the first Liberation War (1857-59) against the British colonial rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. National Memorial: Locates under the unbounded blue sky at Savar, 35 kilometers from Dhaka city, this memorial, designed by the famous architect Moinul Hossain is dedicated to the memory of the millions of martyrs of 1971 liberation war that culminated in the birth of Bangladesh. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House): The parliament house, designed by famous architect Louis I. Kahn, is located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. It boasts some distinctive architectural features; there is a big creek with lotus in front known as crescent lake. This edifice is widely considered a masterpiece and awarded ‘Aga khan Award for Architecture’ in 1989, in Award Presentation Ceremony held at Citadel of Saladin in Cairo, Egypt. Baitul Mukarram Mosque: This is the National Mosque of Bangladesh. A Mosque without a dome over the roof of its main prayer hall must have been a unique experiment. The main building is eight storied and 99 feet high from the ground level. The shahan on the east is 29,000 square feet with ablution space on its south and north sides. The Baitul Mokarram mosque is modern in its architectural style. But it has not discarded traditional principles of mosque architecture. It has found its place in the hearts of the Muslims because of its resemblance with the holy Kaba at Makkah. Star Mosque: It is situated in Abul Khairat Road, Armanitola, in the old part of Dhaka City. Originally it was known as mosque of Mirza Ghulam Pir who built the mosque in the early part of the 18th century. The new decorations, in which sitara (stars) plays an important part, have led to the modern name Sitar Mosque (Star Mosque). The mosque, both inside and outside, is decorated with mosaic. Flower-vases, flower branches, rosset, crescent, star, and Arabic calligraphic writings have been used in the decoration of the mosque. The outer walls between the doors are decorated with Japanese Fujiyama motif on glazed tiles and a crescent-and-star design decorates the upper part of the facade. Hundreds of blue stars have been created on the domes of white marble. Husaini Dalan: A Shiite shrine in the old part of the city of Dhaka, attributed to the Mughal Period. It is a common practice among the Shia community to build edifices to commemorate the martyrdom of Al-Husain, at the battle of Karbala in Iraq on the tenth day of Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680 AD). The building seems to have been originally erected by one Sayyid Murad during the governorship of Shah Shuja, who, although himself a Sunni, was eager to preserve and patronise Shiite institutions. Traditions relate that Sayyid Murad, having seen al-Husain in a vision erecting a tazia khana (house of mourning), was inspired to raise the building, which he named Husaini Dalan. The building stands on a high platform ascended by a flight of steps on the east and consists of two main halls placed back to back. The shirni hall, facing south, is coloured black to indicate sorrow and mourning for the death of al-Husain, and the khutba hall, facing north, has a mimbar with seven wooden steps. In the latter hall are hung several religious symbols. Seven Domed Mosque: One of the finest examples of Mughal mosque architecture in the 17th century is the Satgombuj Mosque. The roof covered with three domes, which with the four domed over the towers, gives the name Satgombuz- “seven-domed” to the building. The mosque Khaja Shahbaz: During the reign of Prince Muhammad Azam one Haji Shahbaz, a business magnate of Dhaka built the three-domed mosque in the south-west of Suhrawardy Uddyan just behind the Supreme Court. Haji Shabaz’s one-domed mausoleum also stands to the east of the mosque. Curzon Hall: The Curzon Hall, originally intended as a town hall, which was named after Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, who laid its foundation in 1904. A year later, Bengal was partitioned and Dhaka became the capital of the newly created province of East Bengal and Assam. One of the best examples of Dhakas architecture, it is a happy blend of European and Mughal architecure, particularly noticeable in the projecting facade in the north which has both horse-shoe and cusped arches. The Curzon Hall has attained a great significance in the history of the language movement. It was here, in 1948, the students of Dhaka University uttered their first refusal to accept Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s declaration that Urdu alone would be the state language of the then Pakistan. National Museum: Established in 1913 A.D., the museum was shifted to a new four-storied building at Shahabagh in 1983. It has forty galleries featuring four departments: National History, History and Cultural Art, and Contemporary art and civilization. It has a rich collection of paintings, old coins, metal images, books on art, world famous embroidered quilts (Nakshi kantha) are worth-mentioning among others. Banga Bhaban: A splendid piece of architecture, Banga Bhaban is the offical residence of the President of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Tourist can have a look (outside view only) of Banga Bhaban. Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British governor, this courthouse provides a unique blend of two different architectural trends: European and Mughal. Mukti Juddha Museum: Situated at Segun Bagicha, the museum contains rare photographs of the Liberation War and items used by the freedom fighters during the period. Baldha Garden: Embellished in 1904, by the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the garden is located in Wari. This garden boasts a rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants. It is an exciting attraction for naturalists and tourists. Botanical Garden: Built over an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur, Dhaka, just east of the zoo. It has collection of nearly 100 species of local and foreign plants; 100 varieties of roses in the rose corner, 100 verities of bamboo in the bamboo grove. Shakhari Bazar: This is an old part of Dhaka city connecting a narrow street between Nawabpur Road and Islampur Road. The street is flanked by shops with conch shell, bangles, musical instruments, statues, toys and costumes. Islampur also boasts the guild of gold and silver-smiths. Dhakeswari Temples: The famous Dhakeswari group of temples now largely modernised, temples at Dhaka from which a popular legend ascribes the origin of the city, may be classified under the composite type of pida and rekha style. Among these, one group consist four rekha temples resting on raised platform. Each temple has a square sanctum, which is covered by six tiers of pyramidal roofs of the curvilinear Bengali style and each is crowned by a spiked kalasa enclosed within a lotus bud. The other group which consists of three pyramidal rekha temples, is crowned with pinnacles. The sikharas consists of four receding tiers - the first of which is a dome shaped Bengali roof and the remaining three of which are the North Indian pida type, all capped by a lotus finial. National Poets Graveyard: Adjacent to the Dhaka University central mosque is the graveyard of the national poet, rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who died on 29 August 1976. In the writings of his literature, there has been demonstration for freedom of oppressed people. He was also great exponent of Persian language, which has been externalized in his poems, gazals, etc. Buddhist Monastery: Located at the heart of the capital, Dhaka, this international Buddhist monastery features various rare and attractive architectures. There are also some beautiful images of Lord Buddha. Kamalapur Buddhist Monastery: This monastery is a symbol of practicing the living Buddhism in Bangladesh. Located near the Kamalapur railway Station, this monastery is well- known for many reasons. There is also preserved the relics (incremented ashes) of the great legend of Buddhism, Aatish Dipankar (born in Bikrompur of Bangladesh, who was also very popular in Tibet). Gurudayar Nanok Shahi Shrine: Built in a beautiful architectural design and located at the vicinity of Dhaka University Campus, this is a holy place of Sikh community. Churches: Armenian Church (1781), St. Marys Cathedral at Ramna, St. Thomas Cathedral (1677) at Tejgaon. Sonargaon: About 29 km. from Dhaka is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva Dynasty until the 13th century. From this period onward till the time of the advent of the Mughals. Sonargaon was a subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal. Among the ancient monuments still intact ones are the tomb of Sultan Abdul Alla and a shabby but beautiful mosque in Goaldi village. Other Attractions: There are other attractions too such as Bhasani Novo Theatre (Planetorium), Fantasy Kingdom (theme park), Nandan park (theme park) and so on. B. Beaches and others Coxs Bazar: The tourist capital of Bangladesh. The worlds longest beach (120 km) of Coxs Bazar is situated on a clean stretch comprising of miles of silvery sands. With its water sports and towering cliffs, this place has been aptly described as the tourist capital of Bangladesh. It is easily accessible by both air and road. Kuakata: A rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of having a glance of both the sunrise and sunset. It is located at a distance of 70 km from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Kuakata is the place of pilgrimage of the Hindu and Buddhist communities. This eye-soothing beach can be reached by both road and steamer. Inani Beach: Inani is within Ukhia Thana, 35 km. to the south of Coxs Bazar and a background to steep hills to the east. Inani casts a magic spell on those who step in the stream-land. There is a beach of immense blue water. It is a fascinating place for sea-bathing. Patenga Beach: This is a sandy beach located at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river Karnaphuli. This beach is just 20 minutes drive from the Chittagong city. Chittagong: The commercial capital and an international seaport of Bangladesh, the healthy city declared by the UNESCO, Chittagong is located in a picturesque hinterland of large hill forests and lakes. It is an amazing vacation spot. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches (Patenga) and fine cool climate always attract holidaymakers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. The main tourist attractions in Chittagong are Patenga Beach, Foys Lake, World War II Cemetery, Ethnological Museum, Bayazid Bostami, Dula Hazra Safari Park, etc. C. Islands St. Martin Island: Fortyeight km. from Teknaf, St. Martin is the countrys only coral island and unspoiled paradise with friendly people. Named Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) by the locals, the dumb-bell shaped St. Martin has an area of only eight sq. km from one to four meters above sea level during high tide. This is a two hours journey by sea-truck from Teknaf. Sonadia Island: It is about seven km. off Coxs Bazar and about nine square km. in area. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of window pane oysters. During winter, fishermen set up temporary camps on the island and dry the sea fish they catch. Moheshkhali:An island off the coast of Coxs Bazar. It has an area of 268 km. Through the center of the island and along the eastern coastline rises a range of low-hills, about 300 feet high, but the coast to the west and north is low-lying treat, fringed by mangrove jungle. In the hill on the coast lies the old temple of Adinath, dedicated to Shiva. By its side on the same hill stands Buddhist Pagoda. D. Eco-tourism and Living Buddhists Monuments Sundarbans: Consummately located about 320 km. south-west of Dhaka and spread over an area of about 6000 sq. km of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna, is the single largest mangrove forest on the earth, the Sundarbans-the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. These deeply dense mangrove forests are criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. Tourists find here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlives in this region are cheetahs, spotted deer, monkeys, pythons, wild-boars and hyenas. The forest is accessible by river from Khulna or Mongla. There are rest-houses for the visitors to stay and enjoy the unspoiled nature with all its charm and majesty. The World Heritage Site, declared by the UNESCO, the Sundarbans is an immaculate place for eco-tourism. Sylhet: The land of two leaves and a bud. Immaculately nestled in the picturesque Surma valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forests, Sylhet is a prime attraction for all tourists, which is accessible by air, rail and road. Its terraced tea gardens, eye-soothing orange groves and pineapple plantations and hills covered with tropical forests form a beautiful landscape. A number of haors (big marshy land) provide sanctuary to the millions of migratory birds flying from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold of winter. Lawachhara Rain Forest: Declared as a National Park, the beautiful breathtaking Lawchhara forest is located at Moulavibazar, northern district of Bangladesh. The forest is 200 km. far from Dhaka and one km. from Srimongal. The forest is filled with trees, trunks. The famous and rare Chloroform tree is there in the forest. The trees shooting out at least 150 feet into the sky. A canopy of trees covers the forest. Birds of every kind are all around. Among the wildlife, the Ullus, gibbons abound in the forest. Moheshkali: An island off the coast of Coxs Bazar. It has an area of 268 km. Through the center of the island and along the eastern coastline rises a range of low-hills, about 300 feet high, but the coast to the west and north is low-lying treat, fringed by mangrove jungle. In the hill on the coast lies the old temple of Adinath, dedicated to Shiva. By its side on the same hill stands Buddhist Pagoda. One can reach this beautiful island by speed boat from Coxs Bazar. Sitakunda: It is approximately 37 km far from Chittagong. This is famous for Chandranath Hindu Temple - one of the oldest temples in the sub-continent. There is also Buddhist temple having a foot print of Lord Buddha. These places particularly, the hilltops are regarded as very sacred by the Hindus and Buddhists. Shiva Chaturdashi (14th) festival is held every year in February when thousands of pilgrims assemble here, which lasts for ten days. There is also a hot-water spring 5 km to the north of Sitakunda. The Hill Districts: The three hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarbans and Khagrachhari offer dazzling beautiful spots where nature has been least disturbed. Far from the madding crowd, the scenic and calm spots of these areas offer rare opportunities to the tourists to have holiday in tranquility. The three hill districts are ideal places for the eco-tourists. The ethnic minority groups like Chakma, Marmas, Tripuras and Murangs are famous for their music and dances. The highest peak of Bangladesh Tahjing Dong (4,632 ft) is located in the Bandarban district. Rangamati Hill District is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions and the largest artificial lake (Kaptai) in Asia is a fascinating tourist spot. The Hill Districts can be reached by road. Ramu: Its a famous place for pagodas containing images of Buddha. This is a typical Buddhist village, about 10 km from Coxs Bazar, on the main road to Chittagong. There are monasteries, Khyangs and Pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inlaid with precious stones. These temples are on the bank of the Bankkhali River. It houses not only interesting relics and Burmese handicrafts but also a large bronze statue of the Buddha measuring thirteen feet high and rests on a six feet high pedestal. The village has a charm of its own. The Blue Lily Lake: The beautiful and eye glittering blue lily lake is located at Moulvibazar and 200 km. far from Dhaka. The lake is locally called as Madhabpur Lake, but the one and only name that could come to the minds of tourists is blue lily lake. Hundreds of blue lilies were in full bloom all over the lake like stars on a peach black night. Some how, it did not have the tang of elation. Rather a calm and quiet spread over the lake in a shroud of sadness. The mood reflecting on the still black water is spectacular. Often a small breeze picked up, and the mirror image broke. Madhabkunda-the unique beauty of waterfall: About 3 km from Dakhinbagh railway station, there is the famous waterfall of Madhabkunda. It attracts large number of tourists every year. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation offers restaurant, retiring room, picnic and parking facilities for the visitors there. Tamabil-Jaflong: Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border outpost on Sylhet - Shilong Road, about 55 km. from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area, one can have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border and rolling stones from the hills. Other places of tourist attractions in Sylhet include Jaintiapur and Haripur Gas field. Tangua Haor: Tangua Haor is an ecologically rich wetland located in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh. This RAMSAR site lies within Sunamganj district extending over a vast area in Dharmapasha and Tahirpur upazilas. On the northern side of the haor (wetland) basin, lies the state of Meghalaya. The haor consists of 120 beels (swamps) of various sizes. The area of Tangua Haor including 46 villages within the haor area is about 100 sq. km of which 2802.36 hectres are wetland. It harbours about 200 species of aquatic plants, 11 amphibians and 39 reptiles and many other aquatic species. The haor is an ideal place for the migratory birds. Every winter about 200 species of migratory birds in their million fly in to this haor and make their temporary habitat here. E. Archaeological sites and Monuments of Bangladesh: Bangladesh is rich with some ancient archaeological sites that bear the testament of Bengals ancient civilization of thousand years. Mahasthangarh: Located on the western bank of the river Karatoa at a distance of 18 km. north of Bogra town, Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semi circle of about 8 km, radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parsuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still to be of great sanctity by both Hindu and Buddhist communities. Mahasthangarh can be reached by both road and rail and it is only 4-hour journey from Dhaka. Vasu Vihar: About 3-4 miles to the north-west of Mahasthangarh is situated a complex of sites formed the Bhasu Vihar and Vihar mounds that Cunningham sought to identify with Huen Tsangs Po-shi-po vihara. Po-Shi-Po or not, the post-Bangladesh excavations here have exposed the remains of two large Buddhist monasteries and a medium-sized Buddhist shrine. The Vihar mound was excavated in 1979-83 and led to the discovery of a small monastery consisting of 37 cells. The excavations at Vasu Vihar have led to the recovery of minor antiquities, most notably miniature bronze images and terracotta plaques both of a very high artistic order. No less than 60 bronze miniatures and over 27 terracotta plaques have been recovered, although no large bronze image has been found. However, a large and inscribed pedestal suggests that such images used to exist. Vasu Vihar terracotta plaques are larger than plaques found in other sites and are of striking beauty. Vasu Vihar has also been prolific in the yield of inscribed terracotta sealings - more than 250 have been collected till now. Paharpur: Located in Naogaon district, the 8th century A.D. archaeological site Paharpur - a world heritage site - is the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas. The entire establishment occupying a quadrangular court measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. in heights with elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 on each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by that of south-east Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. This is almost 6-hour journey from Dhaka and it can be reached by both road and rail. Mainamati: About 8 km. to the west of Comilla town lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, an ancient seat of Buddhist culture. On the slopes of these hills lie scattered the ruins of an early Buddhist civilization (8th-12th century A.D.) At Salban, in the middle of the ridge, excavation has revealed a large Buddhist Vihara (monastery) with an imposing central shrine. The Vihara dates back to the Chandra and Deva dynasties, which flourished here from 8th-12th century. Mainamati can be reached by road, which requires only two hours from Dhaka. Sona Masjid: One of the most graceful monuments of the Sultanate period is the Chhota Sona Masjid or Small Golden Mosque at Gaur in Rajshahi, built by one Wali Muhammad during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493-1519). Originally it was roofed over with 15 gold-gilded domes including the 3 Chauchala domes in the middle row, from which it derives its curious name. This is almost 4-hour journey from Dhaka by road, and also can be reached by rail and air. Kantaji Temple: The most ornate among the late medieval Hindu temples of Bangladesh, Kantaji is situated near Dinajpur town. Built by Maharaja Pran Nath in 1752, every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques representing flora and fauna, geometrical motifs, mythological scenes and favourite pastimes. Shait-Gambuj Mosque: Built in 1459 and known as the largest historic mosque in Bangladesh, this world heritage site is located at Bagerhat district. This magnificent brick building is believed to have been erected by Khan Jahan Ali. The brick walls are unusually thick and slightly tapered, which reflects the Tughlaq style architecture. Shait Gambuj or sixty domed actually consists of seventy-seven low squat domes, seen of which, in the middle row, are chauchala Bengali domes. Sixty stone pillars that support the roof creates the impression of a forest of pillars in the interior. This eye-soothing heritage site can be reached by air and road. Shilaidaha Kuthibari, Kushtia: This carries the memory of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore who made frequent visits to this place and used to stay in connection with administration of his Zamindari and enriched Bengali literature through his writings during that time. It is located at a distance of about 20 km. from Kushtia town. F. Cultural Heritage Products Bangladesh has been the cradle of civilization, a centre of cultural diffusion, since the dawn of history of mankind. It was the meeting ground of various peoples in different states of civilization, the most primitive as well as the most advanced. The cultural history of Bangladesh is one of the greatest and glorious heritages, which every Bangladeshi is legitimately proud of. Each phase of the history of Bangladesh has its distinct characteristics and every race of people who came and settled here, left its individual racial, religious or cultural impacts in the form of temples, stupas, monasteries and mosque along with their associated objects. Besides, the historical significance of Bangladesh - Language martyrs day (21 February), Victory Day (16 December), Pahela Baishak etc. are prime components of our cultural products. Tourists are inclined to see the historical places and perceive the historical significances, which can contribute to generate revenue for Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a country of diverse attractions, bountiful nature and friendly millions with more than a millennium of cultural heritage. The landscape of Bangladesh looks like a magical tapestry in green woven intricately by nature criss-crossed by a network of several major rivers and their numerous tributaries and canals. In fact, Bangladesh is the largest riverine delta in the world. The extensive river systems are, thus, fundamental to the countrys economy and the peoples way of life. Sculpture, tapestry, engravings are developing along the main stream contemporary art, drama, mainly of indigenous origin, has distinct feature. Pantomime, puppet, theatre, caricature, acrobatics and circuses have their own novelties. Music in Bangladesh has developed through centuries along the three mainstreams-folk, modern and classical. Folk, Tribal and Classical are the prominent forms of dances. Fairs and festivals, both religious and social always play a significant role in the life of the people of Bangladesh. Bengali New Years Day, Independence Day, National Martyrs Day- the International Mother Language Day, Eid-ul-fitr, Eid-ul Azha, Durga Puja, Christmas Day, Buddha Purnima are a few of such occasions to mention. Besides these, various fairs and exhibitions are held throughout the country round the year. G. Cultural Events Products of Bangladesh Pahela Baishak: First day of the Bangla year, Pahela Baishakh is celebrated in a festive manner in both Bangladesh and in West Bengal. In Bangladesh, Pahela Baishakh is a national holiday. Pahela Baisakh falls on April 14. Celebrations of Pahela Baishakh started from Akbars reign. It was customary to clear up all dues on the last day of Chaitra. On the next day, or the first day of the new year, landlords would entertain their tenants with sweets. On this occasion, there used to be fairs and other festivities. In due course the occasion became part of domestic and social life, and turned into a day of merriment. Ekushey February, the National Mourning Day and the World Mother Language Day: The 21 February is observed throughout the country to pay respect and homage to the sacred souls of the martyrs of Language Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day near Dhaka Medical College Hospital area to establish Bangla as a state language of the then Pakistan. All subsequent movements including struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar (martyrs monument) is the symbol of sacrifice for Bangla, the mother tongue. The day is closed holiday. Mourning procession begin in Dhaka at midnight with the song Amar vaier raktay rangano ekushay February (21st February, the day stained with my brothers blood). The whole Nation pays homage to the martyrs by placing floral wreaths at the feet of Central Shahid Minar. Independence and the National Day: March 26 is the day of Independence of Bangladesh. It is the biggest state festival. This day is most befittingly observed and the capital wears a festive look. It is a public holiday. The citizens of Dhaka wake up early in the morning with the booming of guns heralding the day. Citizens including government leaders and socio-political organizations and freedom fighters place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Monument at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations hold cultural functions. At night the main public buildings are tastefully illuminated to give the capital city a dazzling look. Similar functions are arranged in other parts of the country. Victory Day: The 16th December is the victory day of Bangladesh. On the day people irrespective of race, caste, age throng at the National Martyrs Mausoleum at Savar to pay glowing tributes to the countrys heroes. The day is also marked with mirth and organizing various kinds of sports in schools and colleges. Eid-ul Fitr: One of the two main Muslim religious festivals, Eid-ul Fitr is celebrated in Bangladesh with great enthusiasm and religious fervour. On this day, everyone tries to dress well and prepare improved foods according to their ability. Relatives and neighbours also share the joys of this festival. The government declares holiday for three days on the occasion. People who live in towns but have their families or parents in villages go to their country homes to meet relatives and celebrate the festival together. Eid fairs are organised at many rural places. These fairs are basically gatherings that promote friendship among people. Eid-ul Azha: Also known as Eid al-Kurban or Eid al-Nahr, it is one of the two main Muslim religious festivals. In Bangladesh it is popularly known as Kurbanir Eid. Eid-ul-Azha is an Arabic word meaning festival of sacrifice. Like all other Muslims of the world, Muslims of Bangladesh celebrate Eid-ul Azha in an appropriate manner with religious fervour and enthusiasm. People sacrifice animals as per the religions decree after finishing their Eid prayer. Durga Puja: The most important religious festival of Bengali Hindus, the Durga Puja celebrates the return of the goddess to her natal home. There are two pujas associated with Durga: Basanti Puja in spring (basanta), and Sharadiya Puja in autumn (sharat). Basanti Puja is performed in the first fortnight of Chaitra (March-April) and Saradiya Puja in the first fortnight of Aswin or Kartik (October-November). Nowadays Basanti Puja is rarely performed, and Durga Puja has become synonymous with Saradiya Puja. On the occasion of Durga Puja, the goddess is invoked on the sasthi, sixth day, of Aswin or Kartik. Puja is offered on the shaptami, astami, navami or mahanavami (the seventh, eighth and ninth days). The image of the goddess is immersed in water on the dashami (tenth day). Christmas Day: Christmas Day, popularly called Bara Din (Big Day), is celebrated with pomp in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country on 25 December. Several day-long large gatherings are held at St. Marys Cathedral at Ramna, Portuguese Church at Tejgaon, Church of Bangladesh (Protestant) on Johnson Road and Bangladesh Baptist Sangha at Sadarghat, Dhaka. Functions include illumination of churches, decorating Christmas tree and other Christian festivities. Buddha Purnima: The main festival of the Buddhists is Buddha Purnima or Baishakhi Purnima. The birth of Buddha, his adoption of asceticism, attainment of supreme enlightenment, nirvana - all these occurred on the full-moon lunar day in the month of Baishakh, and hence this is the most important and solemn festival of the Buddhists. Baishakhi Purnima is celebrated in Bangladesh with great splendour. Tribal Dance: An interesting feature of Sylhet region is the ethnic minority such as the Tripuras, the Manipuris, Khasis and Mandis (Garos) who still live in their primitive ways in the hills, practising their age-old rites, rituals, customs and traditions. During festivals such as, Rash Meela (Full-moon night in February) and Doljatra, the young girls dressed in colorful robes, dance with the male members of their choice. The Manipuris perform their famous dance, based on allegorical love themes of the ancient mythology. H. Handicraft Products The whole Bangladesh is famous for arts and crafts. Bangladesh has developed some special areas like Dhamrai for Brassware items, Comilla for Khadi, Sonargaon for traditional handicrafts, Rajshahi for silk items, Naraynganj and Mirpur in Dhaka for Zamdani Sari, Barisal for Shital Pati, which are famous for local arts and crafts. The Government has taken some institutional measures for developing and marketing different sorts of visual arts and crafts. Among the many handicrafts products of Bangladesh the worth-mentioning are- pottery, wood works, cotton, silk, gold, silver, jute, reed, brassware, traditional dolls, pink pearls and leather goods and bamboo works etc. Among the best buys of tourists here are brass and copperware trays, well decorative bamboo made items, vases etc., and hand made with fine engravings and filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and reptiles, intricate wood, Jamdani and silk fabrics are also bought in a large number. A common and often successful approach for presentation and sale of arts and crafts is development of integrated craft centres or villages. Hence, the Govt. of Bangladesh has plans to set up such type of centres or villages specially at Sonargaon in near future. These centers will be designed in the local traditional architectural style and will contain a large number of shops, demonstrations of arts and crafts production, snacks bar, restaurants and other tourist facilities.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 03:11:33 +0000
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